Tips & Tricks: Working with Professional Interpreters
Working effectively with interpreters is crucial for ensuring clear, accurate communication across language barriers. By following a few key practices, you can help create a smooth and respectful interpretation process that benefits everyone involved.
Be Patient and Book More Time: Interpretation involves conveying information accurately in another language, which inherently takes more time than a regular conversation. Booking additional time allows for a thorough and precise exchange, ensuring that crucial details are not rushed or overlooked.
Prepare Your Interpreter About the Content: Providing context to interpreters beforehand allows them to familiarize themselves with the subject matter. This preparation ensures a more accurate and nuanced interpretation, improving the overall quality of communication.
Address the LEP Individual Directly: Directly addressing the Limited English Proficiency (LEP) individual fosters a sense of inclusion and respect. It acknowledges their presence and ensures that the communication process remains person-centered.
Speak in Short Sentences, Listen Without Interrupting: Using concise sentences aids interpreters in accurately relaying information. Allowing the interpreter to complete their translation without interruptions maintains the flow of communication and minimizes the risk of misunderstandings.
Restate if There is a Misunderstanding: Restating information in case of a misunderstanding provides an opportunity for clarification. Asking the LEP individual to repeat important information enhances verification and ensures that key details are accurately conveyed.
Avoid Side Conversations or Talking About the LEP Individual: Maintaining professionalism and confidentiality is crucial. Avoiding side conversations or discussing the LEP individual in their presence ensures a respectful and inclusive communication environment.
Do Not Ask the Interpreter to Explain Documents: Interpreters are trained in spoken language, not written content. Avoiding requests for document explanation during interpretation helps maintain the focus on verbal communication, preventing potential inaccuracies.
Do Not Ask the Interpreter to Offer Comments: Interpreters maintain neutrality and objectivity. Avoiding requests for personal opinions or comments ensures that the interpreter's role remains focused on accurately conveying messages without introducing bias.
Resist Switching Languages if You "Speak a Little Spanish": Consistency in language use contributes to clear communication. Switching languages can introduce confusion, and resisting this practice ensures a smoother and more comprehensible interaction.
Offer Breaks for Lengthy Assignments: Interpreting is mentally demanding, and extended sessions can lead to fatigue. Offering breaks acknowledges the interpreter's effort and helps maintain the quality of interpretation throughout lengthy assignments.
Be Aware of Conflicts of Neutrality: Interpreters must maintain impartiality. Being aware of potential conflicts ensures that interpreters can excuse themselves if they feel their neutrality may be compromised, maintaining the integrity of the communication process.
Allow the Interpreter to Intervene in Communication Breakdowns: In case of communication breakdowns, the interpreter may need to intervene for clarification. Acknowledging this possibility emphasizes the collaborative nature of interpretation and ensures effective problem-solving during interactions.
Need Help?
If you need any assistance or have questions about working effectively with interpreters, feel free to reach out to us at interpretation@mtlanguageservices.com. We're here to support your communication needs!